In a groundbreaking initiative to tackle the planet's climate crisis, MIT Associate Professor Daniel Suess is delving deep into Earth's primordial past. He aims to understand the ancient chemical reactions that shaped the evolution of life, offering a potential path to solutions that could significantly aid in reducing carbon emissions and developing alternative fuels.

In the early stages of life on Earth, cells gained the remarkable ability to facilitate electron transfers between atoms—a fundamental process in creating carbon-rich and nitrogen-rich compounds. This capability hinges on specialized enzymes that are composed of clusters of metal atoms. By uncovering the secrets of these enzymes, Suess aspires to create novel methods for fundamental chemical reactions that could efficiently capture atmospheric carbon or pave the way for sustainable energy sources.

“We must rewire our society to move away from dependency on fossil fuels and the combustion of carbon,” Suess asserts. “Our approach involves looking back nearly a billion years, before the advent of oxygen and photosynthesis, to discover the chemical principles behind processes that do not necessitate carbon combustion.”

His pioneering research could also illuminate other essential cellular processes, such as the conversion of nitrogen gas into ammonia—crucial for synthetic fertilizer production.

Exploring Chemistry: A Journey of Discovery

Hailing from Spokane, Washington, Suess developed a passion for mathematics early on but ultimately pursued a dual degree in chemistry and English at Williams College. At Williams, he was drawn to a liberal arts education that allowed him the freedom to explore various subjects, ultimately finding a love for chemistry.

With an array of interests within the field—ranging from organic chemistry, where the focus is on synthesis, to physical chemistry, which encompasses foundational advancements like quantum mechanics—Suess further honed his expertise at MIT. Under the mentorship of Professor Jonas Peters, Suess began groundbreaking doctoral research on the synthesis of inorganic molecules, particularly those involving metals like iron or cobalt.

His PhD work centered on innovative techniques for synthesizing these metal complexes, enabling reactions that would assist in overcoming the formidable nitrogen-nitrogen triple bond challenge.

Transitioning into a postdoctoral role at the University of California, Davis, Suess shifted his focus to biomolecules and metalloproteins—enzyme proteins embedded with metal ions that play crucial roles in catalyzing reactions fundamental to life.

Catalyzing Global Reactions

Since joining MIT's faculty in 2017, Suess has committed to advancing our understanding of metalloproteins and their catalytic capabilities. “We are investigating chemical reactions on a global scale,” he explains. “Though these reactions occur microscopically, they significantly influence our planet and determine the biosphere's molecular makeup.”

He emphasizes the importance of understanding ancient enzymatic reactions that predate photosynthesis—reactions still harnessed by modern cells today. Of particular interest to Suess are iron-sulfur proteins, which exist across all forms of life and can facilitate complex biochemical transformations, like converting nitrogen gas into ammonia.

To explore these biochemical marvels, Suess’s lab employs two innovative approaches. One method involves creating synthetic versions of these metalloproteins, allowing for customizable control over their composition and structure, facilitating easier analysis. The second method utilizes naturally occurring versions of the proteins but incorporates isotopes to enhance spectroscopic studies and gain deeper insights into the enzymes’ structures and the intermediate stages of reactions.

Understanding the mechanics behind these enzymes could unlock new strategies for carbon dioxide removal by combining it with other elements to form larger, stable compounds. Additionally, finding sustainable alternatives to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, which currently dominates ammonia synthesis, could significantly mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

"Our primary aim is to decode the natural world,” Suess remarks. “However, as we explore efficient biological catalysts for societal impact, understanding the underlying wiring of these reactions is essential. That’s the knowledge we seek to uncover."

With pioneers like Suess leading the charge in looking back to the dawn of life for answers, the potential to reshape our approach to climate challenges is both exciting and essential for a sustainable future.